The Spotlight_April 2022

The Sp tlight Employee Newsletter

APRIL 2022

MESSAGE FROM MIKE When I joined USIC, I quickly discovered that the field workforce is the heart of this company and the foundation of our success but was not really recognized as such. Over the past two and a half years, we have been working to change that as we evolve into a tech-centric company which: Invests in our techs first to provide the training and resources they need to perform quality work safely Recognizes and rewards our techs for the essential work they do, the quality and safety standards they meet, and the character they demonstrate on the job, in the community, and in their lives Ensures a healthy work/life balance and cares about the well-being of our employees Provides a guided, long-term career path While we have made progress, this evolution is ongoing and remains a priority. Our ability to retain valued, tenured technicians and recruit qualified candidates to join our team is vital to our success as our company continues to grow in response to the increasing demand for our services.

Work/Life Balance & Well-being We recently introduced our work/life balance initiative to ensure that our employees have plenty of time away from work to handle personal responsibilities, enjoy downtime, and focus on what matters most to them. This is a priority fully supported by our board of directors and our owners, Partners Group. We will need your feedback to ensure our continued progress. Please let us know how we are doing and what improvements need to be made. We are listening!

Heroes of USIC Today, I am happy to introduce an upcoming initiative for shining a light on extraordinary service by our employees to country, community, and family. From the military veterans who make up nearly 10% of our workforce to those who respond to meet the needs of others in the daily course of their workday and life. Stay tuned. You will be inspired, as I am, by the Heroes of USIC. Mike Ryan President & CEO

L to R: Mike Ryan; Chairman of USIC's Board of Directors Michael Penner; and Partners Group Partner, CEO, and Head of Private Equity David Layton proudly display USIC's Work/Life Balance insignia.

811 OREGON DISTRICT HOLDS FIRST SAFETY RODEO OF 2022

As we head into peak dig season, I want to thank each of you for your continued hard work and dedication to protecting our customers’ infrastructure and our to the event Congratulations communities; to meeting our operational and financial targets; and, most importantly, to ensuring that every member of our team gets home safe at the end of each day.

Best PPE – Tracy Colgan

winners:

Backup Challenge Winner Jamey Fitzgerald

The backup event was the most challenging, according to Oregon District Manager Sean Crosby. “It was surprising how tough it was to judge distance without the use of a backup camera. Our winner came within 2’11” of the cone.

Remember your vehicle’s blind spots, do a walk-around prior to leaving your jobsite, and if you’re backing up and having trouble judging distance, get out and look!”

Thank you, Sean and Safety Captain Eric Allen, for being the first district to deliver on this program. The Safety Rodeo was a great way to get everyone on the team involved and have fun with safety!

Trivia Challenge – Table 1, led by Jakob Amos 2

MINNESOTA TECH TURNS IN WINNING PERFORMANCE AT REGIONAL LOCATE RODEO Congratulations to 811 Northern Minnesota Senior Technician Krystal Ramler for placing fifth in the Global Locate Masters Competition in the Gopher State Regional Locate Rodeo and winning $200 cash and $200 in gift cards!

Krystal was one of 25 USIC technicians competing in the rodeo, which was held in Minneapolis in February. She has 12 years of industry experience, which include three years with USIC. “It was fun and nice to feel appreciated for the work we do,” Krystal shared. “I take pride in my job.” She plans to participate again and place even higher. “It’s nice to give my team something to be proud of and brag about. I encourage more people to participate in locate rodeos. It is a cool experience and opportunity to be challenged and meet people. I learned a lot, and it boosted my confidence.”

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE AND SANCTUARY Laurie Ziesemer-Meissner, Blood Hound Salesforce Administrator, and her husband Jay have supported Our Lil’ Bit of Heaven Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, located in Poland, IN, since 2016, after having a difficult experience with another rescue. They help with fundraising and delivering food donations, and Laurie customized Salesforce software to track rescued dogs.

Pitch for the Pups Cornhole Tournament August 27 in Indianapolis to raise funds for the care of the approximately 180 animals housed at the sanctuary and in forever foster homes, and Blood Hound is proud to be an event sponsor.

To learn more about the rescue or to make a donation, visit www.bitofheaven.org.

“It doesn’t matter how long ago an adoption occurred, this rescue will step in to help and will take the animal back if needed,” Laurie explained. “Their forever foster program allows dogs that are least likely to be adopted, seniors and ones with long-term medical issues, to get the homes they deserve by providing for their needs over their lifetime, so people are more apt to foster them.”

Laurie and Jay, who adopted their dog GiGi from the rescue, are planning the first annual

Laurie, GiGi, and Jay

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USIC TAKES LEADERSHIP ROLE IN ADVANCING TRAFFIC SAFETY USIC is an active member of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) with a shared commitment to advancing road safety among all drivers, employees and their families, and communities where employees live and work. In January, USIC Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Tom Karnowski joined the NETS Board of Directors.

An experienced EHS leader and highly decorated, retired U.S. Navy submarine officer, Tom will be a tremendous asset to the NETS Board, which is comprised of representatives of major companies in a broad range of business sectors, all of which are heavily invested in traffic safety. The role provides USIC increased opportunity to participate in NETS’ leadership of traffic safety, and Tom has hit the ground running by:

Developing key questions for the NETS’ annual benchmark survey on fatigue management and fleet vehicle supply chain management Connecting NETS’ Executive Director with a senior leader at General Motors who shared his personal traffic safety story with NETS members as a keynote speaker Creating a Safety Advisory Council, bringing together representatives of Duke Energy, WD Wright Contracting, American Traffic Safety Services Association, and NETS to work together on educational and legislative efforts to improve Move Over Laws

Tom Karnowski & Members of the Traffic Safety Council

Congratulations, Tom. Keep up the Great Work!

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MISSISSIPPI TECHNICIAN GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY YOUTH CAMP The South Mississippi Free Will Baptist Youth Camp in Wayne County, MS has been a constant in technician Josh West’s life since he began attending summer camp there at the age of four. He met his wife Shala and later proposed to her there. Today, Josh serves as the camp’s president and Shala as secretary for its Board of Directors, and this will be their sixth year directing summer camp for children ages 5-12.

“It’s a family affair,” Josh explains. “My grandpa helped purchase the land and start the camp many years ago. Now, it’s my turn to give back.”

The camp serves children in kindergarten through twelfth grade, including those with disabilities, and area churches and fundraisers help cover the fees for those who can’t afford them. “We make a way,” Josh said.

“No kid is ever left out.”

Josh and Shala West

The camp’s facilities are in need of repairs, including roof work and replacement of air conditioner units, and USIC is proud to donate $500 to help cover the costs. To learn how you can help, e-mail JoshuaWest@usicllc.com.

LOCATE TRAINING BOOSTS CONFIDENCE OF INSIDE SALES USIC’s Inside Sales Team participated in its first field locate training day, an addition to the ridealong the group’s new hires typically do with a locate technician.

provided in-depth knowledge our team can use in prospecting for new regional business opportunities. It gave them confidence and credibility that were evident in the sales calls they made the very next day.”

“This hands-on experience was extremely valuable, providing us with a better idea of the issues technicians may come across,” Inside Sales Representative Tyler Smitson shared.

“The team environment made this an outstanding opportunity to use locating equipment, engage, and ask questions,” Sean Lepsky, Director of Sales, Regional Accounts, shared.

"The hands-on training

L to R: Sales Manager Evan Crawford, Field Auditor Michael Pumphrey, Inside Sales Team: Nick Frigge, Daniel Phillips, Tyler Smitson, Victoria Letnich, Stephanie Strodtman, Matt Neidig

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PROVING THAT LOCATING IS A CAREER FOR WOMEN USIC’s Anderson, SC crew, led by Supervisor Cindi Anderson, includes seven female locate technicians and will increase to nine with the next training class. The Anderson team represents the workplace diversity USIC is committed to achieving, as well as the increase in the number of women choosing a career in underground utility locating. Currently, 8.3% of our field operations personnel are female.

Women Succeeding in Damage Prevention Cindi, whose career in damage prevention spans 30 years, has served as a supervisor with USIC for the past 10 years. She continues to follow the advice she once received to “hire to make yourself successful” and actively recruits women and men, taking the time to really get to know candidates during the interview process to determine if they will be a good fit for her team.

“Our team is more of a family than coworkers,” Cindi explained, “If one called in need of help, all 22 would go. Knowing they are part of a team and not alone out there makes them more successful.”

The Value of Supportive Teammates As the first female locate technician in South Carolina in the early nineties, Cindi understands the challenges that women can face in their interactions within the male-dominated construction industry. She has also proven that women can and do excel and advance in this profession and is a testament to the value of a supportive team. “When I became a supervisor, I went to the guys and asked if they thought they could work with me and if not, to let me know. They told me, 'Yes, do it. We’ve got your back.'”

Supervisor Cindi Anderson and Expert Technician Sandra White

The Perception of Women in the Field Has Changed over the Years Expert Technician and Anderson team member Sandra White has 28 years of locating experience, 10 with USIC. She says she has seen an increase in the number of female technicians over the last five years.

“Women see us doing the job and ask us questions about it,” Sandra explained. “The perception of women in the field has definitely changed over the last 28 years. Back then, men didn’t always think we could do the job. Now, there are more of us out here. We have shown them we can do it and earned their respect. We are also showing that this job can be done while taking care of a family. We have an advantage with Cindi as a supervisor because she understands the need to balance work with taking care of your family.”

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GETTING TO KNOW DANE DODD, VP, ADVANCED UTILITY SOLUTIONS Dane Dodd joined USIC in March to lead our Advanced Utility Solutions Division, which includes affiliate companies Blood Hound, Reconn, and On Target. His initial focus has been spending as much time in the field as possible to learn the technical aspects of our service lines and the value we deliver for our customers. He has been impressed by our technical capabilities and the expertise and dedication of our field personnel.

legislation to increase broadband connections for rural communities, expand 5G connectivity, and improve the quality and resiliency of utility infrastructure throughout the U.S.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities The biggest challenge Dane has identified thus far is the ongoing tight labor market, which he believes can be countered by the significant opportunity we provide to impact the lives of Americans via our essential role in building and protecting infrastructure, specifically with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorizing over $1 trillion in infrastructure investment, with $65 billion allocated for broadband expansion.

Welcome to the USIC team, Dane!

Personal Background & Interests

A Foundation for Leading Advanced Utility Solutions into the Future Dane has held prior operational leadership roles in the fields of risk mitigation for the cloud computing infrastructure sector and public safety management for large, complex events and served as an Infantry Officer with the U.S. Marine Corps. His experience with hyperscale data facilities across the U.S. will be an asset as we respond to the increasing demand for advanced utility services driven by recent

A native Floridian, Dane has also lived in California, New York, Texas, and Virginia, as well as overseas. His recent move to Indianapolis is his first time living in the Midwest. He and his wife Deborah have two college-aged children. He enjoys working outside and training for triathlons, Spartan races, and other endurance events.

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RECOGNIZES USIC AS LOCATE VENDOR OF THE YEAR FOR INDIANA CenterPoint Energy (CNP) presented USIC with its 2021 Locate Vendor of the Year award for Indiana, one of eight states in which CNP provides electric transmission and distribution, power generation, and natural gas distribution services.

During the year, USIC achieved the lowest damage rate among CNP's locate vendors in Indiana, while performing over 240,000 locates.

“On a daily basis, USIC’s focus on safety, quality, and damage prevention is extremely impressive,” Troy Carson, CNP Manager of Damage Prevention/Vendor Development, stated when presenting the award. “There was no close competition for USIC with regard to damage rates. We are very appreciative of what USIC does for us. Keep up the great work!”

L to R: USIC Operations Excellence Supervisor Corie Lovell, CNP Senior Damage Prevention Coordinator Rusty Poore, CNP Manager of Damage Prevention/Vendor Development Troy Carson, USIC State Director Michael Burgett, USIC District Manager John Stevens, USIC Field Manager Michael Harris

“At USIC, we strive to be the most trusted provider of the highest quality locate services for every customer we serve,” Chris Shepherd, USIC Senior Vice President, Operations, stated.

“We have established a strong partnership with CNP for protecting their critical infrastructure and our communities – one we look forward to continuing to develop well into the future.”

Congratulations to the USIC Central Indiana District technicians who achieved damage-free locating throughout 2021! Thank you for your dedication to safe and flawless locating for our customers.

Centerpoint Energy presented the award at USIC's Central Indiana District office with the technicians who earned it with damage-free locating present via a Zoom meeting.

Way to go, Central Indiana District!

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EARN UP TO $1,500 FOR AN EMPLOYEE REFERRAL ALL EMPLOYEES* ARE NOW ELIGIBLE to earn a referral bonus for referring a qualified

candidate who is hired by the company. You can EARN UP TO $1,500 based on your referral’s level of experience and their achievement of specific tenure milestones.

REFERRALS WITH NO JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE Referred Employee's Tenure Milestone

Payout for You

After Certification (30 days)

$250

6 Months

$250

1 Year

$500

TOTAL

$1,000

REFERRALS WITH JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE Referred Employee's Tenure Milestone

Payout for You

After Certification (30 days)

$250

6 Months

$500

1 Year

$750

TOTAL

$1,500

Click here for details on the Referral Bonus Program and begin creating cash flow by referring people you know! *Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement and employees of On Target Utility Services and Reconn Fusion Group in NYC are excluded from participation in this Referral Bonus Program.

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Milestone Anniversaries First Quarter 2022

Milestone Anniversaries First Quarter 2022

Milestone Anniversaries First Quarter 2022

Milestone Anniversaries First Quarter 2022

We hope you enjoyed this edition of

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